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December 31, 2008 - Bus service comes to Tsawwassen First Nation - For the first time, bus service is connecting a First Nation in Metro Vancouver to the rest of the TransLink system. The #609 Tsawwassen FN / South Delta Exchange, a Community Shuttle service, began hourly trips from the First Nation via South Delta on Monday, connecting with other bus routes. Tsawwassen First Nation Chief Kim Baird notes this is the first tangible benefit of the treaty establishing self government for TFN. That treaty will take effect in April 2009. "Our community is very excited for the commencement of the new TransLink bus route that will integrate the TFN community with the Metro Vancouver public transportation network," she adds. "Our members now have much greater opportunity to access employment and services in our neighbouring municipality and in the broader region. This is a direct effect of the treaty that impacts all our members on Tsawwassen Lands." The bus will run from Tsawwassen Drive North at Falcon Way to the South Delta Exchange every hour, from 5am until 11pm on weekdays, and from 5:30am until 9:30 pm on weekends and holidays.

December 30, 2008 - Five Aboriginal Canadians are among the 60 new appointments to the Order of Canada. William J. Commanda, O.C. Maniwaki, Quebec Officer of the Order of Canada - For his leadership as an elder who has promoted intercultural understanding and has raised awareness of the traditions and legacies of Canada's Aboriginal people. Nellie J. Cournoyea, O.C. Inuvik, Northwest Territories Officer of the Order of Canada - For her active involvement in promoting social and economic development for Aboriginal people, and for her contributions to political governance in the Northwest Territories. Dave Joe, O.C. West Vancouver, British Columbia Officer of the Order of Canada - For his leadership in building stronger communities and positive relations between Native and non-Native peoples and in negotiating final land claims agreements for several Yukon First Nations. David Bouchard, C.M. Victoria, British Columbia Member of the Order of Canada - For his contributions as an author of children's books and an advocate who has championed the cause of reading and writing, and who has shared his pride as a member of the Metis community through his stories. The Order of Canada was established in 1967 to recognize outstanding achievement and service in various fields of human endeavour. It is the country's highest civilian honour for lifetime achievement. Three different levels of membership-Companion, Officer and Member-honour people whose accomplishments vary in degree and scope.

December 23, 2008 - Opposition politicians are highly critical of Prime Minister Harper's appointment of 18 new Senators. That's the nature of the Opposition. Meanwhile, Conservative supporters are reflecting their true nature too. For example, the National Post newspaper, sympathetic to the Conservative Government wrote this about the appointment of an Aboriginal man to the Canadian Senate, "Sen. Brazeau is a smart pick, too. Unlike most aboriginal advocates, he does not ask for billions of no-strings-attached dollars or play the victim card at every turn. As a representative of (mostly) off-reserve and non-status aboriginals, he is a champion of equal rights, not special rights, for natives; and of practical, real-world solutions rather than expensive social programs and land claims without end."

December 22, 2008 - The head of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples has been appointed to the Senate by Prime Minister Harper. Here is the biographical notes provided by the government announcement - "Patrick Brazeau is a member of the Algonquin Nation and a citizen of the Indian reserve of Kitigan Zibi, near Maniwaki, Quebec. A champion of the rights of Aboriginals, in 2006, he was chosen as the National Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples. He used this forum to promote the economic and social development of Aboriginals, especially those who live off-reserve. Mr. Brazeau has a black belt in karate and was a member of the Naval Reserve on HMCS Carleton, in Ottawa."

December 21, 2008 - World Renowned Story-Teller of Upper Skagit Tribe, Vi Hilbert passed away on Friday, December 19th. The local obituary stated, "Violet was preceded in death by parents, Louis Jimmy and Charlie Anderson; husband, Henry Don Hilbert; sons, Denny Woodcock and Ron Hilbert-Coy. She is survived by daughter, Lois Schluter and her husband Walter; grandson, Jay Samson and wife Bedelia; granddaughter, Jill La Pointe and husband John; great grandchildren, Sasha, Beau, Shain and Stacy La Pointe, Jermaine Wade, Damas and Lillian Samson; great-great grandchildren, Oryian, Skyler and Shawn La Pointe. She is also survived by countless friends, colleagues and adopted relations. Taq Se Blu was a world renowned story-teller and language teacher. A wake will be held Friday, December 26, 2008, 6:00 pm at the Upper Skagit Gym, and the Funeral Service will be Saturday, December 27, 2008, 10:00 am at the Upper Skagit Gym. Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, 1825 E College Way, Mount Vernon." Vi Hilbert is widely acknowledged as a respected elder, tribal historian, linguist and storyteller. She was named a Washington State Living Treasure in 1989. She also received a National Heritage Fellowship from National Endowment for the Arts, the first American Indian storyteller to be acknowledged with this high honor.

December 20 - What's wrong with this picture? The Prime Minister spoke about Aboriginal people during his participation Friday in a groundbreaking ceremony for the Museum of Himan Rights in Winnipeg. But . . .Aboriginal leaders were not invited to participate in the ceremony, according to the disappointed Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. Prime Minister Harper said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, as we mark the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it is fitting that we should come together to break ground on the site of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Today's ceremony is a historic moment in the story of human rights in Canada. Together we are building a monument to Canada's embrace of humanity's highest ideals. This monument will, fittingly, be placed here at the Forks, an historic meeting place for Canada's aboriginal peoples, where I'm told they engaged not only in trade and commerce, but also met to peacefully resolve their differences." Wouldn't it have been fitting to have First Nations and Metis people front and centre for the groundbreaking? This matter of human rights in Canada is very controversial from an Aboriginal perspective. Canada continues to refuse to endorse the United Nations Declaration of Rights for Indigenous Peoples. That declaration is about human rights. There seems to be some hypocrasy, with the Prime minister and others celebrating the creation of a Museum of Human Rights. Shouldn't we first get on with the practice of human rights in day-to-day Canada before we build a shrine to these rights?

December 18, 2008 - The Supreme Court of Canada said No to a review, requested by the two Saskatoon police officers who were among the last people known to have seen Neil Stonechild alive. An Inquiry into Neil's death revealed he was the subject of two complaints of causing a disturbance on the evening November 24, 1990. Constable Bradley Senger and Constable Larry Hartwig, members of the Saskatoon Police Service, were dispatched at 11:51 p.m. to investigate a complaint about Neil Stonechild at Snowberry Downs. Hartwig and Senger arrived at Snowberry Downs within minutes and carried out a search of the area. In the course of doing so, they encountered Neil Stonechild. The constables took Stonechild into custody. In the early morning hours of November 25, 1990, Stonechild died of cold exposure in a field in the northwest industrial area of Saskatoon. Neil Stonechild's frozen body was found in a field in the northwest industrial area of Saskatoon on November 29, 1990. There were injuries and marks on Stonechild's body that were likely caused by handcuffs. - The two police officers have claimed their innocence and challenged the Iqnuiry's findings, all the way to Canada's highest court. Today it refused to allow a review of the Inquiry as requested by the officers. Here are some of the findings of the Inquiry that pointed an accusing finger at the Saskatoon Police - The Saskatoon Police Service carried out an investigation. The preliminary investigation properly identified a number of suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. The principal Investigator assigned to the case, Morality Sergeant Keith Jarvis, carried out a superficial and totally inadequate investigation of the death of Neil Stonechild. Jarvis was informed by Jason Roy that Neil Stonechild was in the custody of the Saskatoon Police Service when Roy last saw Stonechild on the night of November 24/25,1990. Jarvis did not record this important information in his notebook or Investigation Report. Jarvis and his superior, Staff Sergeant Theodore (Bud) Johnson, concluded the investigation almost immediately and closed the file on December 5th, 1990, without answering the many questions that surrounded the Stonechild disappearance and death. Jarvis dismissed important information provided to him by two members of the Saskatoon Police Service relating to the Stonechild disappearance and death. In the years that followed, the chiefs and deputy chiefs of police who successively headed the Saskatoon Police Service, rejected or ignored reports from the Stonechild family members and investigative reporters for the Saskatoon StarPhoenix that cast serious doubts on the conduct of the Stonechild investigation. The self-protective and defensive attitudes exhibited by the senior levels of the police service continued, notwithstanding the establishment of an RCMP Task Force to investigate the suspicious deaths of a number of Aboriginal persons and the abduction of an Aboriginal man. These same attitudes were manifested by certain members of the Saskatoon Police Service during the Inquiry. Read more about the Inquiry - here is the link http://www.turtleisland.org/discussion/ ... =1541#1541

The Chemainus First Nation and Cowichan Tribes through a limited partnership have entered into landmark investment agreements with Terasen Gas (Vancouver Island) Inc. - agreements that will provide the First Nations with the opportunity to invest equity in and receive revenue from a regulated utility project. Pending approvals, including that of the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC), they will have the option to share a 15 per cent equity interest in the Mt. Hayes Natural Gas Storage Facility, located on Vancouver Island. Terasen Gas has been working with the Chemainus First Nation and Cowichan Tribes throughout the planning, approval and construction phases of the project. The initial equity investment is expected to be approximately $6-million each for the Chemainus First Nation and the Cowichan Tribes, which will be made on completion of the Mt. Hayes facility, at their option. Terasen Gas will also support the Chemainus First Nation and Cowichan Tribes in obtaining the necessary financing so that each can make its equity investment in 2011. Each of the communities will have representation on the partnership's Board of Directors, which will guide the ongoing operation of the Mt. Hayes facility. "The Mt. Hayes facility is located within the traditional territory of the Chemainus First Nation and our focus throughout our discussions with Terasen Gas has been on the recognition of this fact and the belief that we should benefit from developments within our territory," stated the Council of the Chemainus First Nation. "We view this equity participation opportunity as an important opportunity to give substance to that belief. The Chemainus First Nation looks forward to solidifying a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Terasen Gas." "Cowichan Tribes are very excited to explore the different ways we can work with Terasen Gas and generate revenue that will help us better serve our members," said Chief Lydia Hwitsum. "Working with Terasen Gas provides us with a complete investment opportunity, including support in obtaining investment funds for this project." Randy Jespersen, Terasen Gas President and CEO stated,"We've been working with the Chemainus First Nation and Cowichan Tribes communities for many years now," said . "Providing an opportunity for direct ownership will contribute directly to the building of commercial skills capacity of aboriginal people, provide their communities with an important revenue stream for years to come and is foundational to our desire to participate with First Nations as their commercial interests grow more broadly in the future."

December 17, 2008 - A new Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) head is expected to be in place in January, according sources close to the discussions aimed at replacing Judge Harry LaForme who quit. But the question residential school survivors have is, will the TRC be improved - will it be able to get on with its important work, and get past personalities, power and politics? Alberni Indian Residential School Survivor, Sii' Haast (Willie Blackwater), said, "While former Supreme Court Justice Frank Iacobucci is set to move on a 'streamlined process' to choose the new head of the $60-million truth commission legacy abuse of native residential schools; he 'must' always remember first and foremost TRC is about Indian Residential School Survivors and their historical relationship with Canada and the participating churches. It appears that in his 'streamlined process' - we the survivors are again excluded from this critical selection process. The embarrassing derailment of the initial TRC commissioner selection should remind Justice Iacobucci that the previous closed-door negotiations to select the three (3) TRC Commissioners did not work due to the very fact of 'exclusion' and or limitations placed upon Indian Residential School Survivors involvement. We question the reasoning behind asking any new head commissioner to work with the two existing co-commissioners without first providing the survivors with the assurances that they the remaining commissioners are prepared to work as a team and take directions from the lead commissioner as defined within the terms of reference of the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions operating directives. Perhaps, Justice Iacobucci should give serious thought and consideration to expanding the TRC to a new five-person panel as it has been promoted by many of the Indian Residential School Survivors and many of their respective Aboriginal Leaders. Let me give you a unique analogy that all IRS Survivors understand. '...when we were in the Indian Residential School we were often given contaminated meat often crawling with maggots. Just because it was washed off, did it mean that it was no longer contaminated - no! It was 'still contaminated!' The present TRC Commission process remains seriously contaminated and unfortunately by allowing the two original commissioners to remain in office strongly suggests that Justice LaForme who just happens to be Canada's highest sitting Aboriginal jurist is and or was the one who contaminated the TRC. Again, this has the public perception of claiming that these 'Aboriginal People' cannot or do not have the capacity to work together even at the highest of levels. As a First Nation person, I am disgusted and shamed that the system would continue to promote such action and continue to support the fact that just because the issues are '. . .washed off' behind closed doors, they are no longer contaminated? No it is still contaminated! It is our view that the TRC Commission needs to be de-contaminated, and dismantled all together. Existing Commissioners should do the honourable thing in such a situation and voluntarily resign so the process can begin anew. This is the view of many of the primary constituents and those working at the grassroots level in our own communities." Click Here to Read Mr. Blackwater's entire perspective on this issue.

December 16, 2008 - The death of a First Nation man in police custody in Whitehorse has sparked a high lvevel RCMP probe. Paul E. Kennedy, Chair of the Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP (CPC), has initiated a complaint into the conduct of those unidentified RCMP members involved in the arrest, and subsequent detention in RCMP cells of Raymond Silverfox on December 2, 2008. This follows a statement from the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) that expressed concern not only about the circumstances surrounding the death of Raymond Silverfox who died in hospital after spending 12 hours in a police cell, but about the attempt by the Premier of the Yukon Territory to avert any discussion on the issue. The CRRF is also concerned that the issue of "systemic prejudice" raised by Yukon MLA, John Edzerza that Mr Silverfox's death, which brings to four such deaths under similar circumstances, should warrant an investigation in the conduct of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the policies surrounding the arrest of intoxicated persons and the appropriateness of the training, if any, for officers assigned to highly racialized communities. "We appreciate that the death is being investigated and that there is an expectation of an inquest to follow," notes Dr. Ayman Al-Yassini, Executive Director of the CRRF. "We hope that in the meantime, the RCMP and other authorities will take every precaution, up to and including a medical examination, to ensure that there are no repeats of this tragedy." The RCMP in its 2006 Annual Report of RCMP In-Custody Deaths reported "... that over 70 percent of in-custody death subjects were using alcohol and/or drugs at the time of their apprehension" and that for some of these subjects "the effects of alcohol and/or drug abuse compound pre-existing medical conditions with lethal results." A news release from the Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP explained, "Given these findings, Mr. Kennedy is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to investigate the conduct of all members involved in this incident. Accordingly, pursuant to subsection 45.37(1) of the RCMP Act, he is initiating a complaint into the conduct of all RCMP members or other persons appointed or employed under the authority of the RCMP Act involved in this incident, as well as matters of general practice applicable to situations in which persons are held in the custody of the RCMP, specifically: whether the RCMP members or other persons appointed or employed under the authority of the RCMP Act involved in the events of December 2, 2008, from the moment of initial contact and arrest, through to the subsequent detention and death of Raymond Silverfox, complied with all appropriate training, policies, procedures, guidelines and statutory requirements relating to persons held in RCMP custody and in particular to providing access to medical treatment; whether the RCMP members at the Whitehorse RCMP Detachment provided adequate supervision and direction to the guard or guards who were charged with the care and handling of prisoners in the custody of the Whitehorse RCMP during the period of Mr. Silverfox's detention and subsequent death; and whether the RCMP national, divisional and detachment-level policies, procedures and guidelines relating to the provision of medical treatment to persons detained in RCMP custody, in particular relating to those who are detained where the consumption of alcohol is a factor, are adequate to ensure the proper care and safety thereof." It is reported that on December 2, 2008, Whitehorse RCMP members responded to a complaint from a Yukon Salvation Army shelter. The RCMP members arrived at the shelter and arrested Raymond Silverfox for causing a disturbance. Mr. Silverfox was transported to the RCMP's Whitehorse detachment and held in custody during which time the Mounties said "he went into medical distress". He was taken to hospital where medical staff were unable to revive him and he died. The Yukon NDP MLA justice critic Steve Cardiff called for action and in the legislature Monday challenged the Justice Minister to deal with this issue. "Now, there are four deaths and three coroner's inquests, and in all of these cases First Nations, First Nation citizens were victims. Surely the minister will admit that there is a problem and that solving it will require her department working closely with the RCMP and with Yukon First Nations. When will the minister implement recommendations in the Policing in Yukon report calling for further training, more training, for the RCMP in cross-cultural, medical and social conditions so that these deaths and abuses don't continue?" Eric Fairclough Liberal MLA called on the Yukon government to have a full public and independent inquiry. "First and foremost, the family needs to know all the facts surrounding the incident. They need to know all the circumstances surrounding Raymond's death. Knowing the facts will help bring closure for them. Over the weekend, the family took Raymond's body to its final resting spot. Now they want answers." Marian Horne Yukon Minister of Justice said "we will let this investigation take its due course and follow the process". That process now includes formal action by the Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP.

December 15, 2008 - Chief Sophie Pierre of the Ktunaxa Nation is the new chief commissioner of the British Columbia Treaty Commission. The chief commissioner is appointed jointly by B.C., Canada and the First Nations Summit. "We are very pleased that Chief Pierre has accepted this important and challenging role as chief commissioner of the BC Treaty Commission," said Grand Chief Edward John of the First Nations Summit political executive. "Chief Pierre is a highly regarded First Nations leader who has worked tirelessly to create improved opportunities for First Nations people in her community as well as across Canada. We are confident she will be effective in her new role, providing clear and decisive leadership and strengthening the renewal of the negotiation of fair, just and honourable agreements in B.C." Sophie Pierre will replace Grand Chief Steven Point, who left in 2007, as chief commissioner. In the interim, the current treaty commissioners have acted as chief commissioner. Sophie Pierre is a respected leader among B.C. First Nations. She led the St. Mary's Indian Band for more than 20 years as elected chief and has dedicated her energy and enthusiasm to improving the quality of life and opportunity for her community and for First Nations throughout B.C. Born in Cranbrook, she holds a business administration diploma from Camosun College. Some of Chief Pierre's other achievements include receipt of the Order of British Columbia in 2002 and, in 2003, of the National Aboriginal Achievement Award in the business category. Her business acumen and commitment to her people, evidenced through youth activities, women's advocacy and elders' support, have made her one of the most recognized Aboriginal leaders in the country. The BC Treaty Commission is an independent and neutral body, founded in 1992 to facilitate the negotiations of treaties with First Nations in British Columbia.

Consulting with Canadians - Finance Canada's web site now includes a way for you to provide feedback on what should be in the federal government's upcoming economic stimulus plan. Although there isn't a First Nations mentioned, there is a section that includes a place for you to provide specific details of what you believe the government should consider. Look for this . . . Your Idea: If you believe Budget 2009 should have a different stimulus priority, assign a ranking to this box. You will be able to explain this priority . . .
Here's the link . . . http://www.fin.gc.ca/scripts/prebudgets ... ties_e.asp

December 12, 2008 - Aboriginal children and families, the largest group served by B.C.'s child protection system were highlighted when Ted Hughes released the final report of his independent B.C. Children and Youth Review. That was in 2006. Now, the province's Representative for Children and Youth says there has been little progress in doing what Hughes recommended. In fact, the 2008 Progress Report on the Implementation of the Recommendations of the BC Children and Youth Review says one of the recommendations that remains largely unaddressed, is among the most important in the Hughes Review - "That responsibilities be transferred to regions and to Aboriginal authorities once they have demonstrated their ability to meet key performance targets." Representative Mary Ellen Turpell Lafond points to the official plan of the Ministry for Children and Family Development - "For example, the plan makes a commitment to "closing the gap" between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children in terms of health, safety, education and well-being. No measures have been set to define what this means, no lead responsibility has been identified, and it is not clear what outcomes support progress, or are targeted year-to-year across government." Her report also questions major shifts in MCFD policy. For example, " . . .the withdrawal of support for Aboriginal child service authorities (the second time in a decade such a process has been launched, funded and halted)". She also points to the lack of progress in MCFD's so-called Decentralization, "In recent weeks, the momentum and progress previously reported by MCFD and the Regional Aboriginal Planning Committees toward the establishment of additional interim or permanent Aboriginal Authorities has come to a halt." "This Office would prefer performance expectations, regional plans and meaningful consequences for failing to meet expectations. The community consultation process varies widely and there is no policy to guide this, such as a requirement to consult with local authorities, or children and youth, and report on these consultations. The decision to focus on "service transformation" rather than creating regional authorities with clearer accountabilities or performance expectations was justified as necessary to keep focus on establishing Aboriginal authorities. That has been shelved, and it is now apparent that the financial and human resources to support regional authorities or entities with stronger performance expectations have not been established. The concerns initially expressed about this in the Hughes Review are more acute today as the transfer to regions has progressed without pre-conditions for performance, and the Aboriginal Authority process has been halted. The Representative promises to discuss this important subject in greater detail in an upcoming report on Aboriginal peoples and service delivery."
Here is the the province's Representative for Children and Youth 2008 Progress Report on the Implementation of the Recommendations of the BC Children and Youth Review http://www.rcybc.ca/Images/PDFs/Reports ... 0FINAL.pdf

December 11, 2008 - Any federal economic stimulus package must address the infrastructure needs of First Nations, Metis and Inuit. That message is in a new release from Liberal Aboriginal Affairs Critic Todd Russell. "During good economic times the Conservatives gutted funding for First Nations, Metis and Inuit. The Conservatives cannot be permitted to use the weakening economy as an excuse to abandon Aboriginal Peoples." Mr. Russell made his comments at the conclusion of the Assembly of First Nations Special Chiefs meeting held in Ottawa. First Nations' leaders discussed the challenges facing their communities and pledged that First Nations, Metis and Inuit must not be left out of any stimulus package that may be coming from the federal government. The Conservatives have promised to accelerate infrastructure dollars as a response to the economic crisis. "Aboriginal communities have enormous infrastructure needs that must be addressed and doing so will bring both short term and long term benefits," said Mr. Russell. "This is not the time to be looking exclusively at quick fixes. We also need to be asking what steps the federal government should be taking to achieve a better future and equity for Aboriginal Peoples." The chiefs also expressed concern for children and youth, noting that next year marks the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. "We know Aboriginal children do not have equal access to the quality of education, health and services as non-Aboriginal children. A do-nothing policy is unacceptable; action is needed now," said Mr. Russell.

Aboriginal people are often described as the poorest of the poor. An economic downturn is the perfect time to tackle poverty, say the co-authors of the new report, A Poverty Reduction Plan for B.C., published by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA). The report calls on government to reduce overall poverty in B.C. by 30 per cent within four years, particularly among First Nations people, recent immigrants, children, women and the disabled. It also advocates eliminating deep poverty within two years and eliminating street homelessness within five years. The report's action plan for achieving these goals includes targets such as Raising the minimum wage, strengthening employment standards and enforcing workplace protection to improve low-wage workers' working conditions Increasing welfare rates by 50 per cent and removing arbitrary barriers preventing people in dire need from accessing welfare - An immediate start on building 2,000 units per year of new social housing - Implementing a universal, public early-learning and childcare program Increasing post-secondary grants for low-income students. A new, national Environics poll reveals that eliminating poverty and homelessness is a key concern for British Columbians. According to the report, B.C. has the highest rate of poverty in Canada, yet also boasts the country's highest average wealth, and more millionaires per capita than any other province. In B.C., most of the poor are working, yet their yearly income is $7,700 below the poverty line.

A Poverty Reduction Plan for B.C. includes a section on Aboriginal Population - Aboriginal people are dramatically over-represented among those living in poverty in Canada. In BC, according to the 2001 Census (the most recent data available on Aboriginal income), the rate of Aboriginal poverty was 35.9 per cent, over double the non-Aboriginal poverty rate of 17.2 per cent. While off-reserve Aboriginal poverty is present throughout BC, it is concentrated in Vancouver - Aboriginal people make up 1.9 per cent of Vancouver's population, yet constitute 4.2 per cent of those living in poverty. As well as the ongoing effects of colonization, some of this poverty gap is due to discrepancies in employment rates and income. There is a significant wage gap between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal population - in 2000, the median income for Aboriginal workers in BC was $13,242, a mere 59 per cent of the median income of $22,535 for the non-Aboriginal population. Aboriginal people face many barriers in gaining access to and retaining adequate employment, including systemic racism and lower completion rates of formal education. In 2005, the unemployment rate in BC for Aboriginal people was 15 per cent, almost three times the rate for the total population. In an economic climate in which education is key to securing well-paid employment, approximately 39 per cent of Aboriginal people aged 15 years and over have not graduated from high school, compared to 18 per cent of non-Aboriginal people. Fewer again have post-secondary qualifications - just over 5 per cent of Aboriginal people over 15 years old have a university certificate or degree, compared to 19 per cent of non-Aboriginal people. The lack of affordable housing is another crucial issue for Aboriginal poverty in BC. On reserve, it is estimated that the housing shortage is 20-35,000 units and increasing, while off-reserve, the core housing need among Aboriginal households is 76 per cent higher than among non-Aboriginal households. Aboriginal people are also over-represented among the homeless within Metro Vancouver - approximately 32 per cent of the homeless are Aboriginal. Aboriginal women's issues need special attention. Aboriginal women are consistently poorer than Aboriginal men. In BC in 2000, Aboriginal women had an overall poverty rate of 38.2 per cent compared to 33.4 per cent for men. And single Aboriginal women are far more likely to live in poverty, with a poverty rate of 63.8 per cent compared to 55.6 per cent for single Aboriginal men. Aboriginal women are also significantly overrepresented among the homeless population - 45 per cent of homeless women are Aboriginal. A central concern for Aboriginal women is the increasing rate of child apprehensions in BC. While the number of non-Aboriginal children in state care has decreased, the number of Aboriginal children being taken into care continues to rise, and currently, of the 9,271 children living in foster care in BC, more than half are Aboriginal. According to a recent study from Pivot Legal Society, contrary to public perception, the reasons for removing children from their families are rarely physical or sexual abuse: they are most often due to neglect. In many cases, this neglect is an effect of poverty. Aboriginal children are twice as likely to be poor than non-Aboriginal children - Aboriginal children under 6 have a poverty rate of 40 per cent compared to a poverty rate of 18 per cent for non-Aboriginal children under 6. Once these children are apprehended, foster parents receive more money than parents who were trying to support their family on income assistance. A focus on Aboriginal youth must also be part of a poverty reduction strategy. In 2005, almost half the off-reserve Aboriginal population were youth under 25, who report leaving reserves for multiple reasons, from lack of employment and education opportunities to abuse and drug addiction. On arriving in the city, they often find themselves severely under-prepared for the reality of urban life, and experience feelings of loneliness, dislocation, and anxiety. There is little support for this "culture shock" - few services provide Aboriginal-specific information about affordable housing options or employment centres, and youth often do not know how to access them. Aboriginal people face longstanding poverty-related inequalities in health when compared to the non-Aboriginal population in BC. According to a report by the BC Ministry of Health and the First Nations Chiefs' Health Committee, "life expectancy is shorter, infant mortality is higher, suicides are more common, and dependencies and related deaths are more frequent" among the Aboriginal population. There is a much higher incidence of alcohol and drug-related deaths, as well as respiratory and smoking-related deaths. Diabetes is a major health risk for Aboriginal people - across Canada, they are three to five times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than the non-Aboriginal population. The rate of HIV infection within the Aboriginal population is also significantly above the non-Aboriginal population, and this is primarily due to the fact that many of the behaviours associated with poverty put people at risk for HIV.

December 10, 2008 - This week in Ottawa, First Nations leaders and their representatives are focusing on the critical needs of communities in this time of political and economic crisis in Canada. Our Children Our Future is the title of the talk that AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine delivered at the start of the Chiefs Assembly. "This is such an important theme as now more than ever, in these economically challenging times, we must be ensure that our children who are our future have the best life chances they can, " stated the National Chief. "These are economically and politically volatile times for Canada. This Assembly is taking place against the backdrop of a global economic downturn and an unprecedented political situation in Ottawa. These two events, taken together, are forcing us to confront new challenges that require creative solutions and political will to act. We can't stand by and wait for the political and economic dust to settle. We are seeking immediate meetings with all the political parties to discuss some proposals for an economic stimulus package for First Nations. We have to do this in advance of the federal budget and in advance of the First Ministers Meeting on the Economy which we believe is scheduled for January 16th. The Prime Minister has stated that he will consult the other political parties for their input on how to deal with the economic crisis. We are also meeting with the Opposition parties so they can be briefed on an economic stimulus for First Nations. In addition to the meetings we are having with the Opposition parties, we are also speaking to the provincial and territorial governments in preparation for the upcoming First Minister's meeting. We are told that the AFN will have a seat and participate in the next First Minister's Meeting in mid-January. However, we don't want discussions at the FMM to be just a starting point. We want to have met with all the key players so they are briefed on our proposals and so we can actually make decisions and implement an agenda for action." "Regardless of how this political situation ultimately plays out, we have a Treaty relationship with Canada and a nation-to-nation relationship. My message to all Parliamentarians is that just as First Nations expect the highest standard of conduct, respect, cooperation, consultation commitment from our Treaty partners in their dealings with us, we also expect them to observe this standard of conduct with one another for the good of First Nations and for the good of the country." "We will continue to do our part in this effort to end poverty and to refuse political rhetoric at the expense of our children and the health of our families. However, our political partners MUST do their part and they must not wait. They must not allow more of our children to slip into poverty, to allow their childhood to be filled with suffering, and to be complicit in human suffering. This is about respect for human dignity. This is about our children who are our future. They deserve no less.Over the next few days,we will continue our resolve to achieve this goal." Click on the link for the National Chief's speaking notes http://www.turtleisland.org/discussion/ ... =9883#9883

December 9th, 2008 - Some victim's families still await justice on first anniversary of Pickton verdict. That was the headline of a news release issued by the First Nations Leadership Council in British Columbia. A year ago Robert William Pickton was convicted on six counts of murder. The First Nations Leadership Council is encouraging the Attorney General's office to proceed with a trial on the 20 remaining counts of murder. "The November 2007 conviction of Robert Pickton brought a close to a sad chapter in the lives of six women; however there has been no closure for many of the other victim's families", said Grand Chief Doug Kelly, a member of the First Nations Summit political executive. "The Crown must plan to proceed with a second trial for Robert Pickton on all outstanding counts in order to give the remaining victims' families their day in court and a chance at closure" added Chief Kelly. "On this sad and solemn day our hearts and prayers go out to all the families who were completely devastated by the tragic loss of their daughters, sisters, Aunties and Mothers", said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs. "There exists an absolute need to hold an additional trial for the other 20 women to enable their families to move beyond photos of their murdered relatives to a place of closure. There must be a full public inquiry to expose the systemic deficiencies and failures within the criminal justice system that directly contributed to the tragic death of so many women. Police and civic officials must be held to account for their negligence." There are more than 511 missing and murdered Aboriginal women (by some accounts as many as 2000) in Canada. These staggering numbers represent the indifference of the state to the treatment of Aboriginal women and other vulnerable groups. "We must bring an end to this indifference. Canada must call for a full public inquiry into how and why the justice system failed these women and their families", said Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, BC Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations. "These women must not be dismissed as the pursuit of justice demands equitable treatment of all citizens." The call for justice for the victims' families is especially significant given tomorrow's 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (United Nations Human Rights Day).

December 8, 2008 - It is a big victory for civil rights in Canada, according to the Ardoch Algonquin. The Supreme Court upheld a lower court decision that released First Nations leaders and activists,who had protested against mining in their traditional territory. "This is an important victory for civil rights and the rule of law," said Robert Lovelace. "The government will no longer be able to ignore its legal responsibilities while we are jailed for trying to uphold the law. We will continue to resist uranium mining and exploration and we call on the government to finally begin consultations with us so that further conflict and litigation can be avoided. We do not understand why they continue to refuse to consult with us in spite of several court orders." In a news release issued this week the Ardoch Algonquin described the circumstances that led to their court victory - In February, 2008 Justice Cunningham of the Ontario Superior Court sentenced Robert Lovelace, former Chief of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation, to 6 months in jail because he refused to end his peaceful protest against uranium exploration on Algonquin land. The government of Ontario had refused to consult with the Algonquins before approving the aggressive exploration program in eastern Ontario. In addition to jail, Lovelace was fined $25,000, his community was fined $10,000 and Chief Paula Sherman $15,000. A few weeks after Lovelace was jailed, six leaders of the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwg (KI) were sentenced on contempt charges for their peaceful opposition to drilling for platinum on their traditional lands in northern Ontario. Judge Cunningham ignored all of the arguments made by the Algonquins' lawyer on the need for the Court to enforce the government's obligation to consult. Cunningham said the only thing he was interested in was enforcing the rights of the mining company to blast and drill, and that he would jail any protesters who opposed the illegal exploration. On May 28, 2008 a three member panel the Ontario Court of Appeal overturned the sentences and freed Lovelace and the KI 6. In their decision the Court blamed Ontario's "sweeping" Mining Act, which allows mining companies to conduct aggressive exploration, including removing trees, blasting, drilling, trenching and the construction of roads on First Nations' land, without any consultations or environmental assessment. The Court also criticized the McGuinty government for ignoring repeated requests by the Algonquins for consultations and instead supporting the jailing of Mr. Lovelace and the punitive fines imposed on the community and its' leaders. The Court of Appeal also expressed serious concern that Justice Cunningham ignored numerous Supreme Court decisions which require governments to consult with affected First Nation communities before approving industrial activities which could affect their rights. The Court said that Cunningham should have ensured that Ontario had consulted with the Algonquins before ordering them to end their protest and then jailing them when they continued to demand consultations in defiance of his injunction. The mining company, Frontenac Ventures Corporation, applied to the Supreme Court of Canada for leave (permission) to appeal, arguing that the Court of Appeal's decision amounts to a "license to blockade". Frontenac argued that the Canadian mining industry could collapse if the Supreme Court did not overturn the Ontario Court of Appeal's "lenient" approach to Aboriginal blockades and injunctions. The Supreme Court has now dismissed Frontenac's appeal, with costs.

December 7, 2008 - A statement titled the Inuvik Declaration on Arctic Climate Change and Global Action was released at the United Nations climate change negotiations in Poland. The Declaration, released by a unique coalition of northern Canadian Indigenous organizations and environmental groups, calls on the Government of Canada to show leadership in fighting global warming at home and abroad, and to provide a massive increase in financing to help Northern Canada reduce emissions and adapt to the impact of climate change. Founding Signatories of the The Inuvik Declaration include the Gwich'in Council International, Arctic Athabaskan Council, Climate Action Network Canada-Reseau action climat Canada, Ecology North, and the Pembina Institute. "The Arctic is a critical component of the global climate system, and a changing Northern climate has worldwide implications," said Bridget Larocque, Executive Director of Gwich'in Council International. "The far North is warming at 2-3 times the world average, and we are calling on the Government of Canada to do its fair share to keep average warming as far below 2 degrees Celsius as possible so that Northern ecosystems and ways of life are not irreversibly damaged." Graham Saul, Executive Director of Climate Action Network Canada-Reseau action climat Canada said, "In recent years, the Government of Canada has acted as a drag on the United Nations climate change negotiations, working to block ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets. . . . Arctic Indigenous organizations and environmental groups are uniting in a common effort to push for real action on climate change." The Inuvik Declaration warns, "The Arctic is now warming rapidly with much larger changes projected. Climate change presents pressing problems for Arctic Indigenous peoples and residents, as well as risks to Arctic species and ecosystems. Traditional knowledge complements science. Oral traditions present historic accounts of the local climate, plant and animal species, water regimes, and snow and ice conditions. Results from traditional knowledge and scientific research make us deeply concerned that: Arctic vegetation zones are shifting; Animal species' diversity, ranges, and distribution are changing; Coastal communities and facilities are facing increased exposure to storms; Thawing ground is disrupting transportation, buildings, and other infrastructure; Indigenous communities are facing major economic and cultural impacts; and The proposed increase in marine transportation and exploration threatens traditional whaling practices, marine species and waterfowl. These changes create grave risks for all Arctic residents, and they represent an immediate threat to the safety and security of Northern Indigenous peoples. Changes in temperature and rainfall are already radically altering natural patterns, making many Indigenous peoples strangers in their own land and threatening their ability to live off the land as trappers, gatherers, fishermen and hunters. For many Northern Indigenous peoples, caribou is their life. It is their main source of food. It is their shelter and clothing. Today, there is growing uncertainty around the future of the traditional way of life".

December 6th, 2008 - This is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This is espeially significant for us because more than 500 aboriginal Canadian women have gone missing or been murdered in the last 20 years. The Assembly of First Nations Women's Council made a point of calling on the public and media to help the Kitigan Zibi First Nation in their ongoing search for 16 year old Maisy Odjick, and 17 yar old Shannon Alexander, both missing since September 5th. An award is being offered for information leading to the whereabouts of the missing girls. The two were last seen in the nearby town of Maniwaki, which borders Kitigan Zibi. Police do not believe the two young women ran away as their clothing, identification and wallets were left behind.This weekend a group of volunteers was scheduled to sweep a previously unsearched wooded area of the community hoping to find clues. "We do not know if Maisy and Shannon are still in the area, so their families and their community desperately need the help of the media and the public beyond their borders as they search for answers," said the Chair of the Assembly of First Nations Women's Council, Kathleen McHugh. "Our hearts and prayers are with the families as we hope for some clue that will lead to their daughters' safe return." Kitigan Zibi Chief Gilbert Whiteduck stated, "We are hopeful that we will find Maisy and Shannon and they will return safely to their community where they are loved and missed." Maisy Odjick is 6-feet tall, 125 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair. She has piercings on her bottom lip and left nostril, and scars on top of her right eyebrow and left forearm. Shannon Alexander is 5-foot-9, 145 pounds, also with brown hair and brown eyes. She has a scar on her left knee. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 819-449-4333 or 819-449-6000.

December 5th, 2008 - This is Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week in Canada. The Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (CAAN) released a series of news releases, including the announcement of material for youth on their web site http://www.caan.ca/youth - Here are some excerpts from the news releases - "Our new, youth-oriented website is about teaching youth the importance of self-respect as a basis to protect themselves and providing accurate and up-to-date information so youth can make the best possible choices to avoid infection," stated Kevin Barlow, Chief Executive Officer of CAAN. Aboriginal women living with HIV/AIDS (AWHA's) make up about half of the estimated 3600-5100 Aboriginal HIV infections in Canada. "That statistic alone should dispel the ongoing myth that only gay men get HIV and AIDS," stated Barlow. "There is a startling lack of gender-specific, Aboriginal-specific resources, programs and services to support Aboriginal women living with HIV/AIDS," he added. Injection Drug Use (IDU) contributes to fully two-thirds of new HIV infections among Aboriginal people in Canada. "At almost 60%, IDU has been identified as the most common mode of HIV transmission among Aboriginal people. More than 62% of IDU-attributed infections are among Aboriginal women, compared to just over 40% among Aboriginal men. The rate of new infections among Aboriginal people stands at about 53%, compared to 14% among non-Aboriginal people". Representatives of the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (CAAN) and the National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation (NNAPF) launched a new campaign designed to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS infections among Aboriginal people. Held to coincide with the 20th Anniversary of World AIDS Day, the event also served to lunch this year's Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week. "We want young Aboriginal people to know that they are three times as likely to become infected as non-Aboriginal people," stated Garry Carbonnell, National Liaison and Policy Analyst Officer, of the National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation. "We want people to know that, on average, one Aboriginal person gets infected with HIV every day and that half of Aboriginal People Living with HIV/AIDS are female."

December 3, 2008 - The National Indian Residential School Survivors Society ( NIRSSS )has called for a new Truth and Reconciliation Commission because of "contamination". Interim President of the NIRSSS, Willie Blackwater stated, "We have lost confidence in those that are implementing the Settlement Agreement. Since the apology, there is a code of silence. We get hundreds of calls expressing individual survivor concerns that what was said in the apology is not being acted upon, as well as, lack of action and communications. Since the unexpected resignation of Chief TRC Commissioner, the Right Hon. Justice Harry Laforme there is chaos. Where is the transparency? Where is the accountability? " A news release explained that Residential School Survivors have many issues and concerns regarding the Settlement Agreement. These 460 issues were identified and organized into a NRSSS Survivor Issues Chart. NRSSS, Survivor Groups representatives, Church and Government representatives, individual survivors, all made their contributed to the creation of the document. It was then presented to the IAP Secretariat, TRC Secretariat, Adjudication Secretariat, Health Canada, Churches, and Indian Affairs. "...we have made over 400 presentations on the Survivor Issues Chart in the past year. I particularly share it in our communities because survivors membership needs to see that NRSSS priorities," said Ted Quewezance, past Executive Director of NRSSS. The TRC Commissioners were to ensure that the Truth, Reconciliation and Commemoration's mandate (TRC) as per the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement (IRSSA) to educate general public on the biggest secret in Canadian history and to assist with the reconciliation of individuals, families and communities. "How can we do reconciliation when Survivors can not get the truth?" Blackwater asked. "...Where is the culturally appropriate healing strategy to deal with the assimilation, atrocious abuses, and accumulated losses?....We are at a very critical time, we now are seeing the aftermath of the Common Experience Process (CEP) and see the chaos created by the Independent Assessment Process. Let me give you a unique analogy that all IRS Survivors understand. '...when we were in the Indian Residential School we were often given contaminated meat. Just because it was washed off, did it mean that it was no longer contaminated - no! it was "still contaminated'. The present TRC Commission is contaminated. Just because the issues are '...washed off' behind closed doors, does not mean that the TRC is no longer 'contaminated'. It is our view that the TRC Commission needs to be decontaminated, and dismantled all together. Today, I am suggesting that the TRC be reconstituted with 5 new Aboriginal Commissioners where three must be Residential School Survivors," Blackwater concluded.

December 2, 2008 - There's hope for us in Canada's political crisis . . . I do believe Aboriginal Canadians stand to gain from a Liberal/NDP coalition government. Getting rid of a right-wing government would see us receive federal fairness. After all, the Harper Government (the one recently elected and the previous one too) basically ignored First Nations and Aboriginal needs. The Conservatives chose not to take significant action that would alleviate the poverty position of First Nations. Instead their chant was we need to make "Structural Changes" first. The problem with that argument was that it was false. In fact, the Conservatives maintained unfair policy structures - such as a deliberate freeze on increases in funding for First Nations programs. They refused to accept the specific structural changes that were inherent in the Kelowna Accord. They refused to endorse the United Nations Declaration on Indigenous Peoples Rights. That declaration aims to see structural changes made throughout the world to bring rights into the lives of the First Peoples. The Liberals and New Democrats (and the Bloc Quebecois which supports the coalition government) were clear in their election promises to Aboriginal Canadians. Not only would they make structural changes, they would ensure essential policy changes - including meaningful funding improvements.

December 1, 2008 - First Nations and Aboriginal Canadians received renewed optimism when history was written in Ottawa today. The Liberals, New Democrats, and Bloc Quebecois signed an accord that will lead to the toppling of the Harper Government. The Governor General will be visited and asked to approve the new alternative government - to be led by Liberal leader Stephane Dion (soon-to-be Prime Minister Dion), supported by the other two opposition parties. The unprecedented deal includes an economic platform and economic stimulus package - something opposition party leaders say was lacking with the Conservatives. There is specific mention of First Nations as a priority in the economic policy unveiled by the Liberal/NDP/Bloc coalition. They took this action because they said the House of Commons lost confidence in the Harper government because it failed to deal with the economic crisis in a meaningful way. The good news for First Nations is that these three parties made pledges during the recent federal election - they are on the record as saying they want to see improvements for First Nations on-reserve and urban Aboriginal communities across Canada. Especially promising, is the idea of bringing back the Kelowna Accord - it promised billions of dollars and a plan for a timetable that would improve the standard of living for Aboriginal Canadians. Let's not forget about the UN declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Harper government has flatly rejected the idea of endorsing the declaration. However, the Liberals, NDP and the Bloc Quebecois promised they want Canada to endorse it. During the election campaign National Chief Phil Fontaine pressed the political parties to promise to work toward eliminating Aboriginal poverty, and this means addressing the housing shortage, education needs - but particularly the ceiling on Indian Affairs spending on First Nations programs.

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